JUNIOR sheep judges were given the novice opportunity to exercise their judging skills in the Junior Sheep Judging Competition at the Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show at the 2022 Sheepvention Rural Expo on Tuesday. 

A total of 44 students entered the competition, including from Good Shepherd College, The Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAAC), Balmoral K-12 Community College, Longerenong Agricultural College and one independent competitor.

Lucy Cook from Balmoral was the convenor of the Junior Judging Competition and said students would be assessed on several criteria.

“They’ll be assessed on their capability, professionalism, confidence, general conduct, how they physically handle the sheep and their ability to explain their assessment to the judge,” she said.

“Students are given four minutes to make their judgement of the line-up of rams.”

Students who were eligible to enter in the Under 15 competition were assessed on their ability to comprehensively judge the top ram from four Corriedale rams provided by Michael Deppeler from Condah.

In the Over 15 category, students were assessed on their ability to judge the best ram from three White Suffolk rams provided by Lachlan McCrae of Somerset.

Prior to judging, both Mr Deppeler and Mr McCrae spoke to the students and provided expert insight into what an accomplished judge would be looking for in their respective sheep breeds, Corriedales and White Suffolks.

“When judging short and long wool breeds, the basics are the same,” Mr Deppeler said.

“First, stand back and give an overall assessment of the appearance of the sheep.

“Start with the head, check they have clean white ears and that they’re not in any danger of black spot.

“For dual purpose sheep, check their structure, the length, width of loin and check the testicles for breeding purposes and check for a nice even fleece.”

For the White Suffolks, Mr McCrae said the principles were the same.

“Check the teeth, that’s very important,” he said.

“Make sure their jaw is flush and that the jaw is not too far forward and not too far back.

“There is a little bit of leeway if they’re cutting their teeth.

“Make sure they have a nice silky clean head.

“Look for black pigment around the eyes and a black nose is ideal – however not too many have a black nose.

“Nice shoulder setting is important, but not too wide.

“The carcase is the strongest selling point – look for a good long carcase and longer and wide loin.

“The more length behind the rib cage, the better.

“In the hindquarters, there is variation in the White Suffolk breed – but hind quarters and loin cuts are the most valuable part of the sheep.

“Wool type should be a downsy type of wool.

“Look for soft, even, tightly packed wool – and short.”

 After the students made their assessment, each spent time explaining their judging to either Mr Deppeler or Mr McCrae.

First place in the Under 15 White Suffolk rams judging went to Will Balkin of THAAC, followed by Immy Cameron from Noremac stud at Balmoral in second place, and third place went to Joey Rose from Good Shepherd College.

First place in the Over 15 Corriedale rams judging went to Emily McGregor of Good Shepherd College, and both second and third places were awarded to THAAC students, George Huf and Hugh Foster respectively.

Longerenong Agricultural College students were given the task of handling the rams for over two hours while judging took place.

Graham Ash from Hamilton’s Graham Ash Motor Repairs donated prize money for the first-place winners.